Oct 30th – Nov 1st, 2014 – For the 8th year running, YKK ASIA Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative saw itself back in the hustle and bustle country of Bangladesh. Though back for a third time, the event saw a new first as it was held in the Port-City state of Chittagong. Organised by YKK Holding Asia Pte Ltd (YHA) and YKK Bangladesh Pte Ltd, the program once again teamed up with Real Madrid Foundation (RMF) to deliver 3 days of fun-filled and engaging football clinics to the underprivileged children of Chittagong.

Despite a National Strike alert being declared, the action still continued with the participants being blessed with great weather for the training sessions conducted by RMF coaches, Pablo Gomez Revenga, Javier Garcia Torres and Rafael Palacios Ruiz-Peinado. Close to 300 kids from the Underprivileged Children’s Educational Programs (UCEP) schools thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to part-take in this once in a lifetime opportunity created by YKK to move out of their usual classroom setting and rub shoulders with the RMF coaches.

This special treat not only extended to just these lucky children, but a professional clinic was held for 30 local coaches shortlisted from across the country. These coaches were picked from amongst the local football associations, different division leagues and the Bangladesh Football Federation. Each participant received a custom YKK/Real-Madrid branded football jersey kit, socks and event cap. A pair of football boots was also given to all the kid participants. After each session, participants were presented with a certificate of participation and some souvenirs from RMF coaches.

Before the action kicked off at the World Class M A Aziz Stadium, a Press Conference was held at the Peninsula Hotel, Chittagong. This was where 72 members of the media, representing about 40 local media agencies had the opportunity to learn more about this meaningful program and ask questions to the VIP Guest panelist; which comprised of top management from YKK Holding Asia, YKK Bangladesh, the Real Madrid Foundation and the Bangladesh Football Federation.

The media hype from this rolled-on to the pitch as several media and news agencies even came down pitchside to cover the clinics over the next 2 days. As a result, some of the participants felt like TV stars as they were interviewed by the local news.

YKK aims to create change through inspiration and in believes in the continuity of this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. To ensure that the impact of YKK ASIA Group Kids Football Clinic (AKFC) does not just last for the 3-days of coaching provided, , YKK donated all remaining footballs, training equipment, the 6 customised goal posts and training bibs to the Bangladesh Football Federation and children of UCEP. Hopefully this will serve as a catalyst of change and motivation long after the 3-day event has ended. In return, the sounds and cheers of laughter and enjoyment are the rewards that drive YHA to continue the event across YKK ASIA region!